I'm currently studying Luke 9:23-24--" Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it."

In a world of me-first, individualism we are called by Jesus to carry a cross. A symbol of shame, scorn, and death is what we are supposed to willingly choose. A symbol which ultimately Jesus converts to a symbol of hope, life, and self-sacrifice.

As you prepare for this Sunday, in what areas of your life do you need to pick up the cross? In what areas do you need a redefining? Where could you use less of you and more of hope, life, and a focus on others?